Meeting With Lewis MacDonald, MSP Regarding Barra Air Service - 12 November 2002 |
13 November 2002 |
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Following concerns expressed at the full Comhairle on 30th October 2002 regarding the Scottish Executive's announcement that the Glasgow/Barra air service was to be tendered for one year, Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Morrison arranged a meeting with the Transport Minister, Lewis Macdonald on 12 November 2002. The meeting was attended by the Comhairle's Convener, Alex A Macdonald, Chairman of Transportation,. Norman A Macdonald and Barra Councillor, Donald Manford. Following the meeting the Convener, Alex A Macdonald said:- "The Comhairle's representatives expressed considerable disappointment that no formal consultation had taken place prior to this decision to tender for one year and made very strong representation for the continuation of the Barra air services. Assurances were also sought that the proposed review of the air services would take account of the economic and social studies which were being undertaken." Lewis Macdonald indicated that the review would indeed take account of all the information presented to him by the Comhairle and the MSP, as this would be a very useful starting point in the Scottish Executive's evaluation. He emphasised that the review would need to be completed by the end of September 2003 and that the Comhairle, representing the people of Barra, will play an integral part in the review process. MSP, Alasdair Morrison said "This was a very useful meeting. Lewis Macdonald outlined what he expected as an initial input from the Islands' representatives. I will ensure that every element of relevant information is presented to the Minister before the Executive begin to formally evaluate the need for the air service. This will help them reach the logical conclusion for the continuation of the Barra air services after 2004." Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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